Candida sepsis

Abstract

Thirty cases of Candida sepsis occurring at Howard University Hospital between January 1983 and December 1985 were studied. A retrospective analysis was done to determine which risk factors or methods of treatment led to higher morbidity and mortality. Nosocomial infections with fungi are becoming more widespread as patients survive illnesses once deemed terminal. Patients had positive blood cultures for Candida accompanied by signs of systemic sepsis. Risk factors included diabetes, central hyperalimentation, malignancy, intraabdominal abscesses, and fistulae. The correlation between the total dose of amphotericin administered and patient recovery was analyzed.